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| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name (3R)-β,β-Caroten-3-ol | |
| Systematic IUPAC name (1R)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-4-[(3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E)-3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-18-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)octadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaen-1-yl]cyclohex-3-en-1-ol | |
Other names
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| Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChemSpider |
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| E number | E161c(colours) |
| UNII | |
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| Properties | |
| C40H56O | |
| Molar mass | 552.85 g/mol |
| Melting point | 169 °C (336 °F; 442 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
β-Cryptoxanthin is a naturalcarotenoid pigment. It has been isolated from a variety of sources including the fruit of plants in the genusPhysalis, orange rind, winter squashes such as butternut, papaya, egg yolk, butter, apples, and bovine blood serum.[1]
In terms of structure, β-cryptoxanthin is closely related toβ-carotene, with only the addition of ahydroxyl group. It is a member of the class of carotenoids known asxanthophylls.
In a pure form, β-cryptoxanthin is a red crystalline solid with a metallic luster. It is freely soluble inchloroform,benzene,pyridine, andcarbon disulfide.[1]
In the human body, β-cryptoxanthin is converted tovitamin A (retinol) and is, therefore, considered aprovitamin A. As with other carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin is an antioxidant and may help preventfree radical damage to cells and DNA, as well as stimulate the repair of oxidative damage to DNA.[2]
Recent findings of an inverse association between β-cryptoxanthin and lung cancer risk in several observational epidemiological studies suggest that β-cryptoxanthin could potentially act as a chemopreventive agent against lung cancer.[3] On the other hand, in the Grade IV histology group of adult patients diagnosed withmalignant glioma, moderate to high intake of β-cryptoxanthin (for secondtertile and for highest tertile compared to lowest tertile, in all cases) was associated with poorer survival.[4]
β-Cryptoxanthin is also used as a substance to colour food products (INS number 161c). It is not approved for use in the EU[5] or USA;[citation needed] however, it is approved for use in Australia and New Zealand.[6]
